Thai Dumpling Casserole

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This Thai Dumpling Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist. Imagine perfectly tender dumplings nestled in a fragrant, spicy, and creamy Thai-inspired sauce, baked to golden perfection and finished with fresh herbs. It’s a flavor-packed dish that brings the joy of dumplings into a fuss-free, family-style meal.

The rich coconut-based sauce is infused with garlic, ginger, and Thai chili oil, giving it that sweet-spicy depth that makes each bite impossible to resist. With a finishing touch of toasted sesame and fresh cilantro, this casserole transforms a classic Asian appetizer into a main course masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Dumpling Casserole

• Quick and Easy: No need for fancy techniques—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for dinner parties or potlucks, and it feeds a hungry group.
• Bold Thai Flavors: That unmistakable combination of sweet, spicy, savory, and creamy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and just bake when you’re ready to eat.

What Kind of Dumplings Should I Use?

You can use store-bought dumplings (pork, veggie, chicken, or shrimp) or homemade ones if you have the time. Frozen dumplings work beautifully—just no need to thaw! The key is choosing dumplings with sturdy wrappers that hold up to baking without falling apart. Steamed or pan-fried dumplings can also work if you’re using leftovers, but frozen gives the best convenience and structure.

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Ingredients for the Thai Dumpling Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole brings essential flavor or texture. Here’s what you need and why:

• Frozen Dumplings – These are the heart of the casserole. Go with pork, shrimp, veggie, or your favorite combo.
• Coconut Milk – Provides that creamy, rich base for the Thai-style sauce.
• Garlic and Ginger – Aromatic staples that bring warmth and depth.
• Thai Red Curry Paste – Adds the essential spicy kick and flavor complexity.
• Soy Sauce – Brings umami and saltiness.
• Brown Sugar – Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar – Adds a mild tang to brighten the dish.
• Chili Oil or Crispy Chili in Oil – For a spicy finish with visual flair.
• Cornstarch Slurry – Helps slightly thicken the sauce to coat the dumplings nicely.
• Fresh Cilantro – Adds freshness and color just before serving.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – For crunch and nutty flavor.

How To Make the Thai Dumpling Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and cook until slightly thickened.

Step 2: Arrange the Dumplings

Place frozen dumplings in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Don’t overcrowd; they need space to absorb the sauce and bake evenly.

Step 3: Pour and Bake

Pour the warm sauce evenly over the dumplings. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with chili oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy the layers of flavor in every bite!

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How to Serve and Store This Thai Dumpling Casserole

This dish is best served hot, straight from the oven when the sauce is bubbling and the edges of the dumplings have crisped slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of chili oil for that just-finished flair.

Servings: This recipe generously feeds 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. It’s ideal for a cozy family dinner or a small gathering.

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, splash in a bit of water or coconut milk when reheating.

What to Serve With Thai Dumpling Casserole?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A simple side that soaks up all the extra creamy-spicy sauce.

Thai Cucumber Salad

Fresh, crisp, and tangy to balance the richness of the casserole.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Think baby bok choy, snap peas, and bell peppers with garlic and sesame oil.

Mango Sticky Rice

Finish your meal with something sweet and authentic.

Thai Iced Tea

Cool and creamy, this drink helps mellow the heat of the dish.

Lettuce Wraps

Serve some crisp lettuce cups on the side to scoop up dumplings for a fun twist.

Pickled Vegetables

Add some bright acidity with pickled carrots, radish, or onions.

Fried Shallots

Sprinkle on top just before serving for an extra crunch and savory note.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade dumplings instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! Homemade dumplings work beautifully. Just make sure they are fully sealed and have sturdy wrappers to withstand baking.

Is this dish very spicy?
It has a nice kick from the red curry paste and chili oil, but you can control the heat. Use less chili oil or a mild curry paste if you’re spice-sensitive.

Can I make it dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk. For gluten-free, choose gluten-free soy sauce and dumplings.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble everything up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use shrimp or pork dumplings? Did you go heavy on the chili oil or keep it mild?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
Find more daily dinner ideas and bold-flavored meals on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

This Thai Dumpling Casserole is the kind of meal that turns ordinary nights into something memorable. It combines bold flavors with cozy vibes, is easy to prepare, and is endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving it for friends or a quiet night in, this dish is bound to impress. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation!

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